U.S. patent number 7,766,259 [Application Number 12/208,110] was granted by the patent office on 2010-08-03 for spray nozzle with selectable deflector surfaces.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Rain Bird Corporation. Invention is credited to Raymond P. Feith, Kenneth D. Siegel.
United States Patent |
7,766,259 |
Feith , et al. |
August 3, 2010 |
Spray nozzle with selectable deflector surfaces
Abstract
An irrigation sprinkler spray nozzle is provided that includes a
first deflector surface defining a first configuration to project a
fluid spray having a first distribution pattern, and a second
deflector surface defining a second configuration to project a
second fluid spray having a second, different distribution pattern.
To select the fluid spray, the nozzle further includes a selector
having a first position to select the first deflector surface and a
second position to select the second deflector surface.
Inventors: |
Feith; Raymond P. (Chino Hills,
CA), Siegel; Kenneth D. (Redondo Beach, CA) |
Assignee: |
Rain Bird Corporation (Azusa,
CA)
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Family
ID: |
38711145 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/208,110 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2008 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20090008484 A1 |
Jan 8, 2009 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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11419693 |
May 22, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/391; 239/491;
239/288; 239/571; 239/569; 239/DIG.1; 239/392; 239/394; 239/390;
239/393; 239/288.3; 239/288.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B
1/267 (20130101); Y10S 239/01 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A62C
31/02 (20060101); B05B 1/34 (20060101); B05B
1/30 (20060101); B05B 1/28 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;239/491,391-394,569,571,390,DIG.1,288,288.3,288.5 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Product Catalog, Single-Stream Sprinklers, The Toro Company,
Riverside, California, Apr. 1999, 7 pages. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Nguyen; Dinh Q
Assistant Examiner: Cernoch; Steven
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fitch, Even, Tabin &
Flannery
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.
11/419,693, filed May 22, 2006, which is hereby incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A spray nozzle assembly having a longitudinal axis and for
irrigation comprising: a base configured to communicate with a
supply of fluid, the base having the longitudinal axis extending
through a center thereof; a nozzle fixedly coupled to the base in a
non-rotating manner, the nozzle including an upper disk portion
extending transverse to the longitudinal axis and defining a fluid
passage therein, the fluid passage extending in an axial direction
and configured to provide an upwardly directed axial flow; a first
deflector downstream of the nozzle and having a shape configured to
redirect fluid from the fluid passage to project fluid with a first
predetermined spray pattern; a second deflector separate from the
first deflector and positioned downstream of the nozzle and having
a different shape configured to redirect fluid from the fluid
passage to project fluid with a second, different predetermined
spray pattern; a control knob selector coupled to the first
deflector and the second, separate deflector, the control knob
selector mounted for rotation relative to the nozzle about the
central longitudinal axis and having a first position of the
control knob to orient a portion of the first deflector in fluid
communication with the fluid passage in an axial direction for
projecting the first predetermined spray pattern from the spray
nozzle assembly and a second position of the control knob to orient
a portion of the second, separate deflector in fluid communication
with the same fluid passage in an axial direction for projecting
the second predetermined spray pattern from the spray nozzle
assembly, the control knob selector shiftable about the central
longitudinal axis to switch between the first predetermined spray
pattern and the second predetermined spray pattern; wherein the
first and second deflector surfaces are disposed on the control
knob selector; wherein the control knob selector comprises a
plurality of predetermined rotary positions relative to the upper
disk portion of the nozzle, the first deflector being in fluid
communication with the upper disk portion fluid passage at one of
the plurality of predetermined rotary positions, and the second
deflector being in fluid communication with the upper disk portion
fluid passage at another of the plurality of predetermined rotary
positions; and wherein the longitudinal axis extends through the
upper disk portion of the nozzle plate and the control knob
selector, and wherein the control knob selector is rotatable about
the longitudinal axis to select one of the plurality of
predetermined rotary positions.
2. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the
plurality of the predetermined rotary positions of the control knob
selector are defined by a detent being received in a recess.
3. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 2, wherein the detent extends
from one of the control knob selector or the upper disk portion of
the nozzle, and the recess is defined in the other of the control
knob selector or the upper disk portion of the nozzle.
4. The spray nozzle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
biasing mechanism to bias the control knob selector toward the
upper disk portion of the nozzle.
5. The spray nozzle of claim 1, wherein the biasing mechanism
includes a spring, a retainer to house at least a portion of the
spring, and a securing member to retain at least a portion of the
spring within the retainer.
6. The spray nozzle of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
the first deflector and a plurality of the second deflector and
wherein the first deflectors and the second deflectors alternate
around the control knob selector.
7. The spray nozzle of claim 1, further comprising a base plate
being disposed between the control knob selector and the upper disk
portion of the nozzle configured to minimize fluid leaking between
the nozzle and the control knob selector.
8. The spray nozzle of claim 7, wherein the fluid passage of the
upper disk portion of the nozzle has a first diameter and the base
plate defines a fluid bore configured to be in fluid communication
with the fluid passage of the upper disk portion, the fluid bore
having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter to
form a pressure drop at an interface between the upper disk portion
and the second plate to minimize fluid leakage therebetween.
9. The sprinkler of claim 7, wherein the first and second
deflectors each being a recessed portion disposed on a lower side
of the control knob selector.
10. The sprinkler of claim 9, wherein the first and second
deflectors each define a notch in a wall of the recess.
11. The sprinkler of claim 7, wherein the base plate defines
notches on an outer edge thereof such that the base plate does not
interfere with either the first or second spray patterns.
12. The sprinkler of claim 1, further comprises a pressure
compensating gasket constructed from a resilient material disposed
in the base, the pressure compensating gasket defining a variable
aperture extending therethrough, and the resilient material
deforming a size of the variable aperture in response to a fluid
pressure.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an irrigation sprinkler and, more
particularly, to a spray nozzle for an irrigation sprinkler having
selectably different fluid sprays.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In an irrigation system, drip zones are generally smaller, non-turf
areas such as flowerbeds, ground cover, street medians, vegetable
gardens and hanging baskets requiring a more precise amount of
water delivered at or near plant root zones. Such areas are
commonly watered with drip emitters, bubblers, micro-sprays, and
other low-volume emission devices. These watering devices provide
precise amounts of water and promote healthier plants and reduce
the amount of water run-off and overspray into unwanted areas.
These watering devices are generally designed to provide a set
amount of water over a predetermined ground surface area. Each
particular device, however, may not be robust enough to efficiently
water areas and types of vegetation for which they were not
designed. For instance, a watering device designed to efficiently
water a flower bed of a first area may not be suitable to
efficiently water a vegetable garden of a larger, second area.
Furthermore, a spray nozzle designed for a predetermined flow rate
and pressure may not achieve desired distribution uniformities or
precipitation rates for different flow rates and pressures.
A common shortcoming of typical watering devices, especially
low-flow devices designed for drip zones, is the inability to
customize the throw distances, fluid streams, spray patterns, or
other fluid distribution properties once the sprinkler is installed
in response to changing environmental conditions or fluid
parameters. Prior attempts to provide customized distributions in
an irrigation sprinkler are either cumbersome or do not project a
fluid stream or spray in an efficient manner over a wide fluid flow
rate or pressure range (i.e., achieving poor distribution
uniformity or precipitation rates). For instance, it has been
attempted to impart flexibility into a spray head using a rotating
disk with multiple orifices of a different diameter to vary the
flow and pressure upstream of a nozzle. Another attempt includes a
rotary guide that increases the angular spray pattern in response
to the circumferential position of the guide. (i.e., a 15.degree.
spread is watered upon a 15.degree. rotation of the rotary guide, a
30.degree. spread is watered upon a 30.degree. rotation of the
guide, and so forth.) Such spray heads, however, are still
constrained with a fixed nozzle and, therefore, a fixed spray
pattern that may not be efficiently designed for changes in flow
rates or pressure, especially at low flows.
Other irrigation sprinklers attempt to incorporate multiple nozzles
to project different spray patterns depending on which nozzle is
aligned with the fluid stream. Such designs, however, are bulky and
cumbersome and are not suitable for the low-flow, drip irrigation
zones. These designs also require protective hoods that may
interfere with the spray pattern or include multiple off-center
components to house the multiple nozzles that may render the nozzle
unstable and visually unpleasing for use in an irrigation
system.
Accordingly, it is desired for an irrigation sprinkler that is
configured to provide a selectable fluid distribution suitable for
low-flow, drip irrigation zones.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a nozzle assembly for an irrigation
sprinkler including a base, a nozzle, and a control knob;
FIG. 2 is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly
of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly of FIG.
1;
FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the control knob for the nozzle
assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the control knob of FIG. 5
taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the control knob of FIG. 5
taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a portion of the nozzle assembly
showing details of an exemplary deflector surface;
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of another portion of the nozzle
assembly showing details of another exemplary deflector
surface;
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the nozzle for the nozzle assembly of
FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another nozzle assembly for an
irrigation sprinkler including a base, a nozzle, a base plate, a
control knob, and a cap;
FIG. 10 is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly
of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly of FIG.
9;
FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 9
shown with an alternative cap;
FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the nozzle assembly of FIG.
9;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the base plate of the nozzle
assembly of FIG. 9;
FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the base plate of FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the base plate of FIG. 14
taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of another nozzle assembly
for an irrigation sprinkler; and
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of another nozzle assembly for an
irrigation sprinkler.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIGS. 1-8, there is illustrated an irrigation
sprinkler device in the form of a nozzle assembly 10, which is
suitable for projecting a low volume, fluid spray to a drip
irrigation zone through one or more spray nozzles 12. In general,
the nozzle assembly 10 includes a base 14 having an inlet 16
configured to connect to a portion of an irrigation device, such as
a pop-up riser or flexible riser (not shown). The nozzle assembly
10 further includes a nozzle or nozzle top 18 received in an outlet
20 of the base 14. The nozzle 18 includes one or more ports or
throughbores 22 for directing fluid upwardly from the base 14 to
the spray nozzles 12. Opposite the base 14, the nozzle assembly 10
terminates in a control knob 24, which defines at least one, and
preferably, a plurality of selectable deflectors or deflector
surfaces 26 on an underside thereof to form the spray nozzles
12.
Preferably, the plurality of deflectors 26 include more than one
distinct configuration such that the nozzle assembly 10 may project
more than one distinct spray pattern or throw distance depending on
which deflector 26 is in fluid communication with the nozzle port
22. To select a particular spray pattern or throw distance, the
nozzle assembly 10 is adjusted such that a particular deflector 26
designed to project the desired spray pattern or throw distance is
in fluid communication with the nozzle port 22. For example,
through positioning of the control knob 24, one of the deflectors
26 having a first configuration may be selected for fluid
communication with the nozzle port 22 so that the spray nozzle 12
projects a first spray pattern or throw distance. By moving the
control knob 24 to a different position, a different deflector 26
with a second configuration may be selected for fluid communication
with the nozzle port 22 so that the spray nozzle 12 projects a
second, different spray pattern or throw distance.
In one form, the deflector 26 in fluid communication with the
nozzle port 22 is selected through a rotational movement of the
control knob 24 about a vertical axis X of the nozzle assembly 10
relative to the nozzle 18. That is, rotation of the control knob 24
permits the alignment of any one of the plurality of deflectors 26
to be in fluid communication with the nozzle port 22. However, such
movement also forms a rotational interface 23 (FIG. 4) between the
control knob 24 and the nozzle 18 that may create small gaps or
other misalignments between the contacting surfaces that may leak
during fluid distribution. As a result, the nozzle assembly 10 also
preferably includes a base plate or flow-control device 28 disposed
between the nozzle 18 and the control knob 24. The flow-control
device 28 rotates with the knob 24, and enhances sealing between
the deflectors 26 and the nozzle 18 in order to minimize, and
preferably eliminate, any leaking of fluid between the nozzle 18
and the knob 24 along the interface 23 during fluid distribution.
In one form, as further described below, the enhanced sealing
results from a venturi effect as the fluid flows upwardly through
the flow-control device 28.
The nozzle assembly 10 also preferably includes a secondary
flow-control device 30 contained within the base 14 to maintain a
constant flow rate in the nozzle assembly 10 over a range of fluid
pressures (i.e., about 15 psi to about 50 psi). In one form, the
secondary flow-control device 30 is a flexible washer defining a
variable aperture 32 therein. The variable aperture 32 defines an
inlet 32a and an outlet 32b that expands or contracts depending on
the fluid pressure in the nozzle assembly 10 in order to maintain a
relatively constant flow rate at spray nozzles 12.
Referring more specifically to FIGS. 2 and 3, the base 14 includes
an annular wall 40 to form a generally cylindrical housing 41.
Intermediate the base inlet 16 and the base outlet 20, the housing
41 also includes a floor 42 that extends inward from the inner wall
surface 44 to divide the base 14 into an upper chamber 46a and a
lower chamber 46b. The floor 42 includes a recess 43 sized to
receive the secondary flow control device 30 therein and defines a
central opening 42a for fluid flow upwardly therethrough. The lower
chamber 46b preferably includes inner threads 48, which can be
threadably received on corresponding threads of a pop-up riser or
other portion of a sprinkler system device (not shown).
With the secondary-flow control device 30 received in the recess
43, the variable aperture 32 is preferably coaxial with the central
opening 42a of the base floor 42. In this manner, fluid may flow
directly through both the variable aperture 32 and the central
opening 42a with minimal interference. To help align the secondary
flow-control device 30 in the recess 43, the secondary-flow control
device 30 includes an optional annular rib 49 that seats within an
annular groove 50 disposed at the outer periphery of an upper
surface 51 of the recess 43 (FIG. 3). However, the secondary-flow
control device 30 may be received against the upper surface 51
using a variety of mechanisms.
As noted above, the secondary flow-control device 30 is preferably
formed from a flexible or resilient material, such as EPDM. Such
material permits the device 30 to flex or deform upon increased
fluid pressure. The central opening 42a preferably has a size
(i.e., about 0.2 inches in diameter) such that the secondary
flow-control device 30 may flex or deform downstream into the
central opening 42a upon increased fluid-pressure. With such
downstream deformation of the secondary flow-control device 30 upon
increased fluid pressure, the inlet 32a constricts and the outlet
32b expands. Therefore, an increased pressure drop across the inlet
32a is formed and a more constant pressure and flow rate downstream
is maintained. As the fluid pressure drops, the secondary
flow-control device 30 relaxes back to its un-deformed condition
wherein the inlet 32a and outlet 32b are generally the same.
It will be appreciated that the size of the variable aperture 32
and thickness of the secondary flow-control device will vary
depending on the fluid pressure and flow rates of the desired
application. However, in a preferred application designed to
maintain about 15 psi to about 50 psi at about 7 to about 28
gallons per hour (with a matched precipitation rate based on the
number of ports 22), the secondary flow-control device is about
0.12 inches to about 0.13 inches thick with the variable aperture
32 having a diameter of about 0.034 inches to about 0.070 inches.
The secondary-flow control device 30 is integral with the nozzle
assembly 10 upstream of the spray nozzles 12, rather than, for
example, being included in a separate filter upstream of the entire
nozzle assembly or being located at the nozzle outlet.
Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the nozzle 18 is received in the
base outlet 20 and includes an upper disk portion 54 and an annular
wall portion 52 depending below the upper disk portion 54. The
annular wall portion 52 may be stepped inwardly in order to match a
corresponding shape on the base inner wall 44 in the upper chamber
46a in order to provide a more secure or fluid-tight fit. Extending
above an upper surface 53 of the nozzle disk portion 54 is a
generally cylindrical post 56 configured to rotatably attach the
control knob 24, which will be described more fully below. The
nozzle 18 is preferably secured to the base 14 to form a
fluid-tight seal, such as by sonic welding or other known securing
methods suitable for forming a fluid tight seal.
The upper disk portion 54 defines the one or more nozzle ports 22
therein. As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 8, the nozzle 18 includes
one port 22 extending through the disk 54. This configuration will
project a single spray via a single nozzle 12 to cover a quarter
pattern or about 90.degree. of ground surface area. However, other
configurations of the nozzle 18 and the port 22 are also possible.
For instance, as illustrated by the optional ports 22, which are
shown in phantom in FIG. 8, the disk portion 54 may include more
ports 22 circumferentially spaced thereabout to cover an increased
ground surface area. For instance, two ports would project two
fluid sprays to cover a half-pattern (i.e., about 180.degree.),
three ports would project three fluid sprays to cover a
three-quarter pattern (i.e., about 270.degree.), and four ports
would project four fluid sprays to cover a full pattern (i.e.,
about 360.degree.). After positioning of the control knob 24, each
port would be in fluid communication with a deflector 26 to form
its corresponding fluid spray.
As illustrated in FIGS. 2-7, the control knob 24 is preferably a
generally cylindrical member 58 defining a central opening 59. The
control knob opening 59 rotatably receives the post 56 and also
houses a biasing component 60 therein. The biasing component 60
biases the control knob 24 towards the upper surface 53 of the
nozzle 18 once the desired deflector 26 is selected to be in fluid
communication with the port 22. An outer surface 62 of the control
knob 24 also may include as an option ribs, texture, or other
tactile surface feature to form a gripping surface for ease of
gripping and rotating the control knob 24 relative to the nozzle
18.
A lower surface 64 of the control knob 24 defines the plurality of
deflectors 26 thereon, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3-7. Most
preferably, the lower surface 64 defines eight discrete deflectors
26 (i.e., 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e, 26f, 26g, and 26h)
circumferentially spaced about the control knob 24. With the
illustrated embodiment of the nozzle 18 defining one port 22,
rotationally positioning the control knob 24 associates one of the
deflectors 26 to be in fluid communication with the one port 22.
Optionally, with a nozzle 18 defining two ports 22, rotationally
positioning the control knob 24 associates two of the deflectors 26
to each be in fluid communication with one of the two ports 22.
Likewise, with three ports 22, rotationally positioning the control
knob 24 associates three of the deflectors 26 to each be in fluid
communication with one of the three ports 22 and so forth.
Preferably, the nozzle 18 include up to a total of four ports 22.
As a result, with more deflectors 26 than ports 22, once the
control knob 24 is positioned, some deflectors 26 will not be in
fluid communication with a port 22.
More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 5, each deflector 26 is a
generally wedge- or triangular-shaped recess 65 in the knob lower
surface 64. For instance, the recess 65 is defined by an upper wall
66 and facing side walls 68 and 69 depending therefrom. To form the
wedge-shape, the facing side walls 68 and 69 intersect at point 71
and extend radially outwardly towards the knob outer surface 62 at
a sweep angle .alpha.1. In a preferred configuration, the deflector
side walls 68 and 69 form a sweep angle .alpha.1 of about
90.degree. to about 100.degree. in order to spray a generally
quarter pattern or about 90.degree. to about 100.degree. of ground
surface area about the spray nozzle assembly 10. Optionally, other
deflectors 26 may form a different sweep angle .alpha.1 in order to
form a fluid spray to cover a different ground surface area.
The recess 65 also includes a curved transition portion 71 that
joins the upper wall 66 and the two facing side walls 68 and 69
about the intersection point 71. As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and
6-7, the curved transition area 71 is generally aligned axially
with the port 22 and, therefore, more smoothly transitions the
fluid flow from the generally upwardly direction through the port
22 to the generally outwardly direction of the spray nozzle 12.
Preferably, the control knob 24 includes at least two distinct
deflectors 26a and 26b formed from two distinct recess
configurations 65a and 65b, respectively, to form two different
fluid spray patterns and/or distances for fluid distribution. For
instance, the recess shape 65a of the deflector 26a is configured
to project a fluid spray pattern to cover a generally square ground
surface area extending a total distance from the nozzle assembly
about 2 to about 3 feet. On the other hand, the shape 65b of the
other deflector 26b is configured to project a fluid spray pattern
to cover a generally square ground surface area extending a total
distance from the nozzle assembly about 3 to about 5 feet.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6-7, the recess upper walls 66 are
preferably lofted to have a different trajectory angle at the edges
than at the center to achieve such spray patterns. For instance, as
best illustrated in FIG. 6, the recess 65a defines a downward
trajectory angle .beta.1 between about 3.degree. to about 8.degree.
at a transition edge 67a between an upper wall 66a and the opposing
side walls 68a and 69a. At a central portion 72a of the upper wall
66a between the transition edges 67a, the recess 65a defines a
downward trajectory angle .mu.1 between about 1.degree. to about
5.degree. to form the lofted configuration of deflector 26a. This
lofted recess configuration projects a fluid spray to cover a
generally square ground surface area extending a total distance of
about 2 to about 3 feet from the spray nozzle assembly 10.
On the other hand, to project a generally square fluid spray
pattern a total distance of about 3 to about 5 feet, the recess 65b
of the other deflector 26b has a different lofted configuration.
For instance, as best illustrated in FIG. 7, the recess 65b defines
an upwardly trajectory angle .beta.2 between about 11.degree. to
about 15.degree. at a transition 67b between an upper wall 66b and
the opposing side walls 68b and 69b. At a central portion 72b of
the upper wall 66b between the transition edges 67b, the recess 65b
defines an upwardly trajectory angle .mu.2 between about 16.degree.
to about 19.degree. to form the different lofted configuration of
deflector 26b.
Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, details of optional features of the
deflectors 26a and 26b are illustrated. In FIG. 7A, a first portion
of the control knob 24 is illustrated showing only the deflector
26a and recess 65a with an optional flow-direction channel 70a
located in the upper wall 66a generally aligned with the central
portion 72a. The flow-direction channel 70 is defined by a notch in
the upper wall 66a formed from inwardly angled channel walls 73a
and 75a. In FIG. 7B, a second portion of the control knob 24 is
illustrated showing only the deflector 26b and recess 65b with a
similar flow-direction channel 70b. The flow-direction channels 70a
and 70b help focus and direct the fluid within the respective
deflector 26a or 26b in order to project the fluid spray to the far
corners of the generally square ground surface area.
As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, different spray
patterns and distances can be obtained by varying the shapes and
angles of the recess 65 as described above. As such, the details
above are merely provided as one example to achieve two types of
spray patterns and distances based on a nozzle about 6 inches above
ground level. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the
configuration of the recess may need to be altered if the nozzle
extends a different height above ground level. Moreover, the
shapes, angles, and geometry of the recess 65 can also be varied as
desired to achieve other types of spray patterns and/or distances.
For instance, generally decreasing the angles .mu. and .beta. will
generally increase the total throw distance.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the deflector 26a and the deflector 26b
preferably alternate about the circumference of the control knob
24. In this manner, either increased or decreased spray distances
may be selected by rotating the control knob 24 either clockwise or
counter-clockwise relative to the nozzle 18 to align the desired
deflector 26 (i.e., either deflector 26a or deflector 26b) to be in
fluid communication with the port 22.
In addition, with the preferred eight deflectors 26 and four total
ports 22, as optionally described above, each port 22 may be
associated with one of the two adjacent deflectors 26--a deflector
26a or a deflector 26b--as desired to project the predetermined
distance, depending on the rotational position of the knob 24 and
which deflector 26 is in fluid communication with each port 22. As
will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, to achieve various
spray patterns and distances, the sweep and trajectory angles of
the deflector 26 as well as the number of deflectors can be varied
within the scope and concept of the nozzle assembly 10.
The desired deflector 26 is preferably selected through rotation of
the control knob 24 relative to the nozzle 18. To accomplish such
movement, the control knob 24 is rotationally coupled to the post
56 and also biased downwardly towards the nozzle disk 54 through
the biasing mechanism 60. In one form, as illustrated in FIGS. 2
and 3, the biasing mechanism 60 preferably includes an annular
retainer 74 nested within a stepped inner surface 76 of the control
knob 24 within the knob central opening 59. Housed within the
retainer 74 is a biasing member 78, such as a coil spring. The
biasing mechanism 60 also includes a flat washer 80 on top of the
biasing member 78 that engages with an outwardly extending annular
barb or flange 81 at a terminal end portion of the post 56. The
biasing member 78 together with the engagement of the washer 80
against a lower surface of the flange 81 biases the retainer 74 in
a downward direction. The lower end of the biasing member 78 seats
in an annular recess 76 defined by the retainer 74. The nested
interface between the retainer 74 and knob 24 also aids in biasing
the lower surface 64 of the knob 24 downwardly toward the nozzle
disk 54. Optionally, as discussed in more detail below with FIGS.
10 and 11, the retainer 74 may also be formed integrally with the
control knob 24 as illustrated with control knob 124 that includes
a knob portion 124a and an integral retainer portion 124b.
To select one of the deflectors 26 (i.e., either deflector 26a or
deflector 26b) to be in fluid communication with the port 22, a
user grasps the outer surface 62 of the knob 24 and pulls the knob
24 away from the nozzle 18 to counter bias the biasing mechanism
60. The knob 24 can then be rotated either clockwise or
counter-clockwise to select a different deflector 26 to be in fluid
communication with the port 22. Once the desired deflector 26 is
selected, the user releases the knob 24 and the biasing mechanism
60 again biases the knob 24 downwardly toward the nozzle 18.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the nozzle assembly 10 also
preferably includes the base plate or flow-control device 28
between the nozzle 18 and the knob 24. The base plate 28 minimizes,
and preferably, eliminates fluid leaking at the rotational
interface 23 between the base plate 28 and the nozzle 18. In one
form, the base plate 28 is a washer-shaped disk 82 secured to the
lower surface 64 of the control knob 24. As such, the base plate 28
rotates relative to the nozzle 18 along with the control knob 24.
Preferably, the base plate 28 is secured to the control knob 24
through a sonic weld but may be joined by any method that forms a
fluid tight seal therebetween.
The base plate 28 defines a plurality of secondary ports or
throughbores 84 wherein one throughbore is in fluid communication
with one of the deflectors 26 on the control knob 24. Upon
selection of the desired deflector 26 with the port 22, the
respective secondary port 84 also is in fluid communication with
the port 22 and guides fluid from the port 22 upwardly to the
deflector 26. To minimize and preferably eliminate fluid leaking at
the interface 23, the secondary ports 84 generally have a diameter
larger than the nozzle port 22 to produce a venturi effect that
lowers the pressure at the interface 23 to form a partial
vacuum.
For example, with a nozzle port 22 having a diameter of about 0.04
inches, the secondary ports 84 typically would have a diameter from
about 0.047 to about 0.05 inches in order to form the desired
pressure drop and partial vacuum at the interface 23. The partial
vacuum generally prevents fluid from leaking outwardly at the
interface 23 because air is drawn inwardly to the secondary port 84
through any gaps or other misalignments at the interface 23 thereby
reducing the ability of fluid to flow out at the interface 23.
To ensure that a deflector 26 is properly aligned with a nozzle
port 22, the rotational interface 23 preferably includes a
plurality of stop members 86, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. In
one form, the stop members 86 includes a recess or well 88 and a
corresponding detent 89 that is configured to be received in the
recess 88. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a plurality of recesses 88 are
defined in the disk upper surface 53 and a corresponding plurality
of detents 89 extend below a lower surface 87 of the base plate 28.
In combination with the biasing mechanism 60, the stop members 86
(i.e., the detents 89 and the recess 88) form an audible
indication, such as a "click" or "snap," when the detents 89 slide
into the recesses 89 when the control knob 24 is correctly
positioned with one desired deflector(s) 26 in fluid communication
with the desired port(s) 22.
As further illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and FIG. 8, a recess 88a
surrounds the port 22 and the detents 89 surround the secondary
ports 84. Such configuration, however, is not required, but only a
preferred construction of the stop member 86 in the nozzle assembly
10. Alternatively, for instance, the recess(es) 88 may be defined
by the lower surface 87 of the base plate 28, and the detents 89
may extend from the nozzle upper surface 53. In addition, other
types of stopping members or mechanisms that permit rotational
alignment between two structures may also be used on the nozzle
assembly 10 in order to ensure proper alignment between the desired
deflector and nozzle port(s). The stopping members 86, as discussed
above, may also be included in the alternative embodiments that are
further discussed below.
To project a fluid stream close in to the nozzle assembly 10, the
base plate 28 optionally defines clearances 90 in the form of
inwardly curved notches 91. As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4,
the notches 91 curve inwardly on the base plate 28 generally
between the deflector side walls 68 and 69. Each deflector 26 may
include a corresponding clearance 90 on the portion of the base
plate 28 adjacent the deflector 26. In some instances, the
clearances 90 permit the fluid spray to project downwardly to
ground areas close to the nozzle assembly 10.
Referring now to FIGS. 9-15, a second embodiment of a spray nozzle
assembly 110 is illustrated and includes at least one primary spray
nozzle 112 and at least one secondary spray nozzle 113. The nozzle
assembly 110 also includes selectable deflector surfaces 126
similar to nozzle assembly 10, but in some instances, uses the two
spray nozzles 112 and 113 to achieve extended and close-in fluid
sprays rather than the clearances 90 in the base plate 28. For
instance, in one form, the primary spray nozzle 112 projects a
fluid spray a first distance from the nozzle assembly, such as a
total distance from the spray nozzle of between about 2 and about 3
feet, and the secondary spray nozzle 113 projects a fluid spray a
second, shorter distance, such as a total distance under about 2
feet from the spray nozzle assembly 110.
The nozzle assembly 110 preferably includes the base 14, and
optionally, the secondary flow-control device 30 therein similar to
the nozzle assembly 10. The nozzle assembly 110 also includes a
nozzle 118, a base plate or flow-control device 128, and a control
knob 124, each of which include additional features not found on
like components in the nozzle assembly 10. The additional features
are included to form both the primary spray nozzle 112 and the
secondary spray nozzle 113 and will be further described below.
More specifically, referring to FIG. 10, the nozzle 118 includes an
upper disk portion 154 and an annular flange 152 depending from a
lower surface of the disk 154. The flange 152 is sized for receipt
in the base 14 with a fluid-tight arrangement, such as by a
friction fit, sonic welding, or other suitable fluid-tight securing
methods. Extending above an upper surface 153 of the disk portion
154 is an attachment post 156, which rotatably secures the control
knob 124 to the nozzle 118. Preferably, the post 156 is formed from
a slit post construction consisting generally of two facing arcuate
fingers 156a and 156b that are spaced from each other to define a
central space 155 therebetween.
The disk 154 includes at least one port or throughbore 122 for the
passage of fluid when in fluid communication with a spray nozzle
112 or 113. As with the nozzle 18, the nozzle 118 may also include
additional ports 122 as desired. With the addition of the secondary
spray nozzles 113, an outer periphery 119 of the nozzle 118 is
beveled or curved downwardly. Such configuration aids in close-in
fluid sprays projected from the secondary nozzle 113.
The control knob 124 is similar to knob 24 in that is defines a
plurality of deflectors 126 on a lower surface 164 thereof that can
be selected for fluid communication with the port 122. The
deflectors 126 are formed from recesses 165 that preferably have at
least two distinct configurations to form at least two distinct
spray patterns depending on which deflector 126 is in fluid
communication with the port 122. The geometries and shapes of the
recesses 165 may be similar to the recesses 65 formed on the
control knob 24 and, therefore, will not be further described with
this embodiment. As discussed previously, the knob 124 may also be
incorporated in the other embodiments described herein.
While the nozzle assembly 110 is illustrated in FIGS. 9-15 with a
secondary spray nozzle 113 associated with each primary spray
nozzle 112 (i.e., each deflector 126), the nozzle assembly 110 may
also include primary spray nozzles 112 without an associated
secondary spray nozzle 113. For instance, similar to the previous
embodiment, one of the deflectors 126 has a configuration to
project a fluid spray a total distance of about 3 to about 5 feet
and another of the deflectors 126 has a configuration to project a
fluid spray a total distance of about 2 to about 3 feet. One
possible configuration of the nozzle assembly 110 includes the
secondary spray nozzle 113 only associated with the deflectors 126
that project a fluid spray about 2 to about 3 feet, while the other
deflectors 126 are not associated with a secondary spray nozzle
113.
In this embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the knob 124
is preferably divided into a knob portion 124a and an integral
central retainer portion 124b, which is configured to hold a
biasing mechanism 160. The biasing mechanism 160 includes a biasing
member 178 and a retaining member 180, such as a flat washer. The
holding member 180 interferes with a lower surface of outwardly
extending flange(s) or barbs 181 on the post 156 to retain the
biasing member 178 within the retainer portion 124b. The other end
of the biasing member 178 seats in an annular seat 175 defined at
the bottom of the central retainer portion 124b.
Other than the retainer portion 124b being integral with the
control knob 124, the rotation and biasing of the control knob 124
function similar to that previously described with the nozzle
assembly 10. For example, the biasing force provided by the biasing
member 178 forces the control knob 124 downward toward the nozzle
118. To select a particular deflector 126 to be in fluid
communication with the nozzle port 122, a user lifts the control
knob 124 away from the nozzle 118 to counter bias the biasing
member 178 and then rotates the control knob 124 either clockwise
or counter-clockwise to position the desired deflector 126 in fluid
communication with the nozzle port 122. Releasing the control knob
124 permits the biasing member 178 to again bias the control knob
124 downwardly toward the nozzle 118. The nozzle assembly 110 may
also include the stopping members 86 to correctly position the
control knob 124 and provide the audible "click" upon rotation and
positioning.
In this embodiment, the control knob 124 also includes a cap 125
that is received in a central opening 159 of the control knob 124
as best illustrated in FIG. 11. The cap 125 has a generally flat
disk 125a with a depending post 125b that extends from a lower
surface 125c of the disk 125a. In one form, the post 125b has a
diameter that permits a friction fit within the central space 155
between the two facing fingers 156a and 156b of the securing
extension 156. In this manner, the post 125b prevents any inward
flexing of the fingers 156a or 156b, which could allow the holding
member 180 to slide past the outward flanges 181 on the post
156.
Referring to FIG. 11a, an alternative cap 225 is illustrated that
utilizes a snap-fit configuration with the retaining member 180. In
this form, the cap 225 includes an upper disk 225a and a pair of
longitudinal extending arcuate fingers 225b and 225c that face one
another and that depend from a lower surface 225d of the disk 225a.
Each finger 225b, 225c includes an outwardly extending flange 227
therealong that, when assembled in the nozzle assembly 110, retains
the cap 225 on the nozzle 110. The retaining member 180 is secured
between the flange 227 of the cap fingers 225b, 225c and the
outward flanges 181 of the nozzle post 156. That is, the lower
surface of the retaining member 180 engages with the flange 227 and
an upper surface of the retaining member 180 engages with the
outward flanges 181 to secure the retaining member 180
therebetween.
When the cap 225 is installed in the nozzle 210 in this manner, the
cap fingers 225b, 225c are staggered with the nozzle post fingers
156a and 156b such that each cap finger 225b and 225c is received
in a space 156c (FIG. 10) defined between the nozzle post fingers
156a and 156b. The fingers 225b and 225c preferably flex inwardly
during assembly. The flexing of the fingers 225b and 225c permit
the flange 227 to be received past the retaining member 180 during
insertion, and permit the fingers 225b and 225c to snap back to
their original position once the flange 227 is past the retaining
member 180 to thereby secure the cap 225 within the nozzle assembly
110.
More specifically, each flange 227 has a leading cam portion 229
that includes an angled surface that cams against the retaining
member 180 to cause the fingers 225b and 225c to deflect inward so
that the flange 227 can pass through the retaining member 180. Each
flange 227 also includes a trailing barb portion 231 that engages
the retaining member 180 once the flange 227 has passed through the
retaining member 180 to resist unintentional detachment.
As the control knob 124 is rotated, the cap 125 or 225 remains
stationary; therefore, the upper surface of the cap 125 or 225 may
include printing, logos, instructions, or other writing for the
benefit of a user or installer. While the cap 125 or 225 is
illustrated on the nozzle assembly 110, the other nozzle assemblies
described herein may also include a similar cap if desired. While a
friction-fit or a snap-fit arrangement has been described to
preferably retain the cap 125 or 225 in the nozzle assembly 110, if
included, the cap may be coupled to the nozzle assembly using other
coupling mechanisms as well.
The base plate or flow-control device 128 is positioned between a
lower surface 164 of the control knob 124 and the nozzle 118 to
minimize and, preferably, eliminates fluid leaking between a
rotational interface 123 (FIGS. 12 and 13) between the control knob
124 and the nozzle 118 (FIG. 11). That is, similar to the base
plate 28, the base plate 128 includes a plurality of secondary
ports or throughbore 184 having a diameter larger than a diameter
of the ports 122 to produce a pressure drop and vacuum effect upon
fluid flowing upwardly through the ports 184 and 122.
Referring to FIGS. 13-15, the base plate 128 defines a plurality of
deflector surfaces or deflectors 192 located on a lower surface 193
thereof. The deflectors 192 project a fluid spray under about 2
feet from the nozzle assembly 110 by siphoning a portion of the
fluid flowing through the port 184 and redirecting such fluid to
the deflectors 192.
Each deflector 192 is formed from a recess 194 that extends
outwardly from the ports 184 to an outer edge 195 of the base plate
128. In one form, the recess 194 has a generally fluted shape
defined by an upper wall 194a and facing side walls 194b and 196c.
To project a fluid spray close-in to the nozzle assembly 110 (i.e.,
under about 2 feet), the upper wall 194a is generally curved
downwardly as the recess 194 extends outwardly in a radial
direction away from the ports 184 (FIG. 15). Preferably, the upper
wall has a radius of curvature from about 0.10 to about 0.2 inches,
which also substantially matches the radius of curvature of the
outer portions 119 of the nozzle disk 154 (FIG. 10). To project a
fluid spray about a quarter pattern, the facing side walls 194b and
194c of the deflector recess 192 generally form a sweep angle
.alpha.2 of about 90.degree. to about 100.degree..
Different spray patterns and distances can be obtained by varying
the shapes and curves of the recess 194 as described above. As
such, the details above are merely provided as one example to
achieve one spray pattern and distance based on a nozzle about 6
inches above ground level. One skilled in the art will appreciate
that the configuration of the recess may need to be altered if the
nozzle extends a different height above ground level. Moreover, the
shapes, angles, and geometry of the recess 194 can also be varied
as desired to achieve other types of spray patterns and/or
distances.
To siphon a portion of the fluid flowing through the ports 184, the
deflectors 192 also preferably include a partial occlusion 197
extending inwardly into the bore 184. The occlusion 197 blocks a
portion of the fluid flowing upwardly through the port 184, which
redirects the fluid into the deflector 192. Depending on the amount
of fluid to be redirected into the deflectors 192, the length of
the occlusion 197 extending into the port 184 may be varied. For
example, preferred occlusion 197 lengths range up to about 0.0105
inches, which will siphon up to about 25 percent of the fluid
flowing through port 184 into the secondary spray nozzle 113. Of
course, shorter or longer lengths may be used if more or less fluid
is desired to be redirected into the secondary nozzle 113.
In nozzle assembly 110, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, each
deflector 126 is aligned with each secondary deflector 194 so that
both are in fluid communication with each other and fed fluid via
the same port 184. Furthermore, such deflector combination (i.e.,
each main deflector 126 and associated secondary deflector 194),
when selected through positioning of the knob 124, are also in
fluid communication with the same nozzle port 122. That is, when
the control knob 124 is positioned to select a particular deflector
126, the control knob 124 automatically also selects the secondary
deflector 194 that is associated therewith because the base plate
128 is secured to the control knob 124 for rotation therewith.
Preferably, the nozzle assembly 110 includes eight deflectors 194
on the base plate 128 and eight corresponding deflectors 126 on the
control knob 124.
In operation, fluid under pressure flows upwardly through the
nozzle port 122 and continues upwardly through the port 184. At
this point, a portion of the fluid is diverted by the secondary
deflector 194 and projected outwardly as a secondary fluid spray
from the secondary spray nozzle 113 for close-in sprinkling. The
remaining fluid continues upwardly through the port 184 and then
projected outwardly as a primary fluid spray from the primary spray
nozzle 112 for projecting a fluid extended distances.
Referring to FIG. 16, there is illustrated a third embodiment of a
spray nozzle assembly 210. Similar to the prior embodiments, the
nozzle assembly 210 includes the base 14, and optionally, the
secondary flow-control device 30. The nozzle assembly 210, however,
also includes a modified nozzle 218, a modified base plate or
flow-control device 228, and a modified control knob 224 because
the control knob 224 is joined within the assembly 210 using a snap
ring, for example.
For example, in this embodiment, the nozzle 218 has an upper disk
254 with a centrally located annular projection 256 extending
upwardly from an upper surface 253 of the disk 254. The annular
projection 256 defines a receiving bore 257 that extends through
the nozzle 218. At a distal end of the projection 256, a flange 281
extends inwardly into the receiving bore 257 of the projection 256.
The flange 281 secures a biasing mechanism 260 within the annular
projection 256.
In this embodiment, the biasing mechanism 260 includes a biasing
member 278, such as a spring washer, and a retaining member 274,
such as a retainer clip, ring, or other securing member. As
illustrated, the retaining member 274 includes an annular ring 274a
with inwardly projecting, resilient grasping fingers 274b. As
further described below, the retaining member 274 rotatably couples
the control knob 224 to the nozzle 218 by grasping a portion of the
control knob 224 that extends through the nozzle receiving bore
257.
Referring again to FIG. 16, the control knob 224 is a generally
cylindrical member 258 that also includes a downwardly extending
centrally located post 259 that is received through the bore 257 of
the annular projection 256 and rotatably coupled to the nozzle 218
by the retaining member 274 of the biasing mechanism 260. To
provide a substantially fluid-tight seal between the knob 224 and
nozzle 218, the nozzle assembly 210 also includes a sealing member
280, such as an O-ring, that seals at the distal end of the annular
projection 256 and also engages a control knob lower surface 264
when the control knob 224 is coupled to the nozzle 218.
The biasing mechanism 260 permits the control knob 224 to function
in a manner similar to the previous embodiments. That is, for
example, the biasing member 278 biases the control knob 224
downwardly towards the nozzle 218. When a user desires to rotate
the control knob 224 similar to the other embodiments, the control
knob 224 is lifted away from the nozzle 218 to counter bias the
biasing member 278. Thereafter, the control knob 224 is
repositioned in a manner similar to the previous embodiments. As
with the other embodiments, the nozzle assembly 210 may also
include the stopping members to rotationally align the control knob
224 to the nozzle 218 and provide the audible "click" upon rotation
to indicate alignment.
The base plate or flow-control device 228 is similar to base plate
28. For instance, the base plate 228 is formed from a generally
washer-shaped disk having throughbores 284 and portions of a stop
member (i.e., recesses 88 or detents 89) thereon to rotationally
position the base plate 228 about the nozzle 218. The base plate
228 also reduces, and preferably eliminates, any fluid leaking
around through the nozzles. The base plate 228 is also secured to
the knob 224 and rotates therewith.
In contrast, however, the base plate 228 does not include the
clearances 90 along its outer periphery to form notches therein.
The nozzle 218, therefore, provides an alternative base plate that
can be used with any of the embodiments therein. On the other hand,
with a sufficient biasing force from the biasing mechanism, any of
the nozzle assemblies herein can also be used in a similar fashion
without their respective flow-control devices if desired.
Referring to FIG. 17, there is illustrated a fourth embodiment of a
spray nozzle assembly 310 which provides an alternative rotational
coupling of a control knob 324 to a nozzle 318. The nozzle 318
defines a central opening 357 sized to receive a downwardly
depending snap-finger 356 of a base plate or flow-control portion
328. The snap-finger 356 includes an outwardly extending annular
flange 381 that retains a biasing mechanism 360 (i.e., biasing
member 378, such as a spring washer, and retaining member 374, such
as a retainer clip, ring, or other securing member, similar to
prior embodiments) between the flange 381 and a lower surface 393
of the nozzle 318. Other than such differences in the rotational
coupling, then nozzle assembly 310 preferably functions in a
similar manner to the previous embodiments.
It will be understood that various changes in the details,
materials, and arrangements of parts and components which have been
herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of
the invention may be made by those skilled in the art within the
principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended
claims. Furthermore, while various features have been described
with regard to a particular embodiment, it will be appreciated that
features described for one embodiment may also be incorporated with
the other described embodiments.
* * * * *